Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, September 11, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
On this 21st Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, we urge you to take some time to reflect, build understanding and continue to hope for peace from hatred. On this day, everyone's lives were forever changed. Please take a moment today to love the ones around you and hold onto life closely.
As we move into this full five-day week, be reminded that this Wednesday, September 14 is an early release day so we will not have Jag Paws. Additionally, we have Senior Parent Night tomorrow night, Monday, September 12 and will have several home opening athletics contests this week. Please see below for the specifics around senior announcements as well as the overview of this week's newsletter. Please plan ahead for grades 9-11 student pictures which will take place through Math classes Wednesday, September 21 - Friday, September 23.
Senior Parent Night – Monday, September 12, 7:00pm: Attention Class of 2023 students and families! We will be hosting Senior Parent Night on Monday, September 12th at 7:00pm in the Northwest High School Auditorium. We will livestream the meeting via Zoom. The Zoom link will be posted in the “News” section of the Northwest website one hour prior to the start of the meeting. The meeting with cover important information in planning for senior year and an overview of the college application process.
News from the Counseling Office
Counselors visited senior English classes on September 8th and 9th to assist students with post-secondary planning and review the college application process. A college application checklist was distributed to students that reviews key processes for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation. Students who have questions or need support in planning for after high school should schedule an appointment with their counselor and/or Ms. Davis in the College Career Center. Counselors are also hosting a weekly Wednesday “drop-in” for college application support from 2:45-3:30 every Wednesday in the Career Center.
In this week's newsletter, you will find an important Graduation Survey for Class of 2023 students and parents, important information regarding AP exams, a chance to provide your feedback on the use of powder at home stadium events, early ordering for our Northwest Yearbook, this week's college and career center updates, a note about our upcoming Financial Aid Webinar, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, September 8, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, this week's activities and athletics calendar, and a flyer advertising Germantown's Volunteer Fire Department Open House.
There are a few important reminders including an opportunity to join the Principals' Advisory Council, information about our new Social Worker, PSAT Day information for Wednesday, October 12, parking permit information, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, information about our school's 5K in October, arrival and dismissal procedures, lunchtime expectations, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: Class of 2023 Graduation Survey
NEW: AP Exams Information
Students at Northwest High School will be registering online for the 2022-2023 AP exams. This registration will take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. Students will complete the registration process in their AP courses.
Online Exam Registration will continue through Monday, November 7th, 2022
To register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit: https://myap.collegeboard.org/.
To complete registration, students must create or log in to their College Board Account. ALL students will join the AP Classroom for their course(s). By joining their AP Classroom, students are registered for the corresponding AP exam. If a student does NOT wish to take one or more of their AP exams, a parent or guardian must contact Ms. Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) by 3:00 pm on Friday, October 28th, 2022. If your student is unsure if they want to take their AP exam(s) they should speak to their AP teacher and/or couselor to discuss their decision.
If a student registers for an exam and does not test, they will be responsible for the $40 return fee for the unused exam(s).
If a student drops an AP course after exams are ordered on November 15th, 2022, they will be responsible for the $40 unused exam fee.
All exam(s) registrations after October 28th, 2022 will be assessed a $40 late order fee.
Each AP Exam is $101. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify, please complete this form. The form is also available on the Northwest Website via the AP Exam Information Quick Link.
Information about exam payment will be available in December.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations only if they have been approved by the College Board. Students who have been approved for special accommodations with an eligibility letter from Services from Students with Disabilities and who already possess an SSD number should provide the number on the registration website.
For questions regarding test accommodations for an IEP, please contact our SSD coordinator Gabby Bezou (Gabrielle_Bezou@mcpsmd.org).
For questions regarding test accommodations for a 504 plan, please contact your counselor.
Please visit the AP website for complete information about taking AP Exams: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam. For further questions, please contact Ms. Amy Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpsmd.org), AP Testing Coordinator for Northwest High School.
**If you are not sure about whether your student(s) should take the AP exam, you can review this document which outlines the benefits.**
NEW: Use of Powder at Home Stadium Events
Please complete this brief questionnaire regarding this tradition. We will be collecting responses until Monday, September 19 so that a final decision can be made before our next home football game on Friday, September 23. Thank you in advance for providing your input on this decision.
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
College Career e-NEWS Highlights:
OPPORTUNITY: Congressman David Trone Service Academy Nomination Information: The deadline for Service Academy Nomination is October 14th at 5:00pm. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, complete this application form on our website.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
For more information about the Nomination Process, read more about our Service Academy Nomination - General Information here.
Updated College Career High School Visit Calendar:
The college career high school visits are currently using both a virtual format and in-person setting based on the college/career school admissions preference. Students in all grades are welcome to attend. Priority seating will be given to seniors on a space available basis. Visits will be held in the College Career Information Center (Room 126) unless otherwise noted. Naviance registration is required. If the visit is virtual, students MUST come to the visit location prepared with headphones and a Chromebook.
Please follow the instructions below to attend! Visits are scheduled to be about 30 to 40 minutes. For virtual visits, the link for the visit will be included in this bulletin.
- Register for the visit in Naviance so that I have an idea of student interest and who will be attending.
- Once you have confirmed your registration in Naviance, be prepared to show your confirmation to your teacher for permission to leave class (print or snapshot the 'View Details' screen.
- Register using the link provided below if you have interest in attending a virtual visit. Some of the college URLs may be direct links to the meeting, others will require registration first and the visit URL will come directly from the college/university.
- When attending each visit, you will be required to Scan the Attendance QR-Code located on the office door of Room 126.
- BRING A CHROMEBOOK AND HEADPHONES for virtual visits!
September Calendar
(View the entire calendar in Naviance or from our College Career Jag Events calendar):
September 12 - U.S. Army 10:00 AM
September 12 - Frostburg State University 1:00 PM
September 13 - Johns Hopkins University 8:00 AM
September 13 - McDaniel College 10:00 AM
September 13 - University of California, Los Angeles 1:00 PM
September 16 - Case Western Reserve University 10:00 AM
September 16 - American University 1:00 PM
September 19- University of Toledo 9:00 AM
September 19 - University of Tennessee - Knoxville 10:00 AM
September 20 - St. Mary’s College of Maryland 9:00 AM
September 20 - Stony Brook University 1:00 PM
September 22 - University of Richmond 9:00 AM
September 22 - Ohio State University 1:00 PM
September 23 - Louisiana State University 10:00 AM
September 27 - Saint Michael’s College 8:00 AM
September 27 - Longwood University 1:00 PM
September 28 - Trinity Washington University DC 10:00 AM
September 28 - West Virginia University 1:00 PM
September 29 - Towson University 8:00 AM
September 29 - Tufts University 10:00 AM
The first virtual visit is scheduled with James Madison and will be on October 6. Look for the October calendar to post after September 22. More information on the College Career High School visits can be found HERE.
College Application Resources
Northwest High School resources for the college application 2022-2023 cycle can be found HERE.
JAG Jobs
All job opportunities are published in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin available to download at any time from our College Career web page ‘Jag Jobs’ under College & Career Quick Links. https://bit.ly/3sKZRVw
Money Matters & Scholarship Highlights
RESOURCE: MCPS Financial Aid Webinar | Recording | Presentation PDF | This resource is from the August 26 webinar. These resources will remain posted the entire school year.
SAVE THE DATE! Class of 2023 Financial Aid Webinar. Thursday, October 13 @ 6:30 pm. Rob Maddox, Director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be our host and presenter.
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: UVA Jefferson Scholars. SENIORS planning application to the University of Virginia. Scholarships offered on the basis of leadership ability, scholarship ability, and responsible citizenship; Jefferson Scholarships provide the entire cost of attendance at UVA and many supplemental enrichment experiences; consideration is by high school nomination only; click here to access the Google form required for Northwest High School consideration; DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCT 10 | post 7 Sept 2022 |
COMING SOON… Help with FAFSA! Northwest has several dates on the calendar for FAFSA Assistance starting in October. Events will be held in the afternoon or evening. Registration will be required that includes completion of the Educational Opportunity Center Intake form. Events will be facilitated by the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid and the Educational Opportunity Center. Look for details in the next e-NEWS Bulletin! | post 7 Sept 2022
REMINDER: For a complete list of available scholarships, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. No time to download? In the building visit the QR-Code Board just outside the College Career Information Center (Room 126) and scan the ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin QR-Code for immediate access on your mobile device! Financial Aid Reminders & Resources available on the Northwest College Career ‘Financial Aid & Scholarships’ web page. Select ‘Financial Aid Resources’ at the top of the page.
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, September 8
Here are eight things to know for Thursday, Sept. 8. They include information about COVID-19, bus route information, availability for free school meals, a request to update your contact information, state-mandated health curriculum, Parent Academy TO GO and good news about an MCPS graduate.
Understand Positive COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines
It remains important that staff and families continue to report positive cases of COVID-19 via this online form. An updated isolation calculator is linked to help you understand when it is OK to return to work or school.Learn About Updated COVID-19 Boosters
Last Thursday, the CDC endorsed updated COVID-19 booster vaccines. The vaccines are “bivalent” which means they include protection against both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and currently circulating strains of the Omicron variant (BA-4 and BA-5). Anyone older than 12 who is vaccinated against COVID-19 can receive a booster. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for ages 12 years and older. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for ages 18 years and older. Both booster vaccines must be given after an initial vaccine series, and can be given 8 weeks after the last received dose of vaccine or booster.
Where you can find these vaccines:
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now offering updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines . This is now the only booster available for ages 12+ at county-sponsored clinics (including school-based clinics). Appointments are currently recommended. Maryland's Vaccine Locator provides information on pharmacies and other locations offering booster appointments and a helpful FAQ on the new boosters.New Online Feature Reports Bus Route Delays
Bus delays may occur at the beginning of the school year due to increased traffic, adjustments for student ridership or because a route requires two or more runs to complete. Families can check whether their child’s bus route is running on time or is delayed with a new online tool. Delays are being posted on this website.
Connect-Ed calls will also go out each evening alerting families to whether their student’s route will be uncovered for the next day.Find Out If School Meals Are Free for Your Child
Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can now apply for assistance for school meals. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch meals.
Important Note: Per school system policy, no child will ever be denied a meal in an MCPS school and any inability to pay will not result in an alternative meal.
Apply here.
Learn more about the program.Update Your Contact Information in ParentVUE So You Can Receive Information from MCPS and Your Child's School
All MCPS families are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account and ensure your contact information is up-to-date. ParentVUE, an online parent portal, is the primary way schools share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more. ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.State-Mandated Health Curriculum Updated
The Maryland State Department of Education now requires students in the Class of 2025 and beyond to complete a 1.0 health education course for graduation. Health education content includes data and resources for various populations, including LGBTQ+ community members.
Families may opt out of the family life and human sexuality unit, in compliance with state law. Learn more here: MSDE Health Education Curriculum Framework.Fall Parent Academy Features Important Information for Families
Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO, a series of webinars for families to watch at home. The webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.GOOD NEWS: Walter Johnson High School 2022 Graduate Receives Full Ride Scholarship to Spelman College
Marie Andre (Joyce) Onana Mfege is attending Spelman College this fall and has been recognized as a Dovey Johnson Roundtree Scholar. As a scholar recipient, Joyce is one of twenty who will receive the Dovey Johnson Roundtree Scholarship which includes the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for the next four years.
Congratulations Joyce!
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Great News from the Green Team!
NEXTrex Plastic film recycling is back. Reduce your plastic waste by bringing "plastic film" items to be recycled at our school. Check out the linked flier below for details about what can be placed in the NexTrex Bins.
Bin locations: Gym lobby, hallway outside the main office, and media center.
Acceptable Plastic Film List: https://recycle.trex.com/view/educate#materials1
Thank you for your Support --- NWHS Green Team
NEW: Free Store
Do you have any school supplies you no longer need? The Free Store would love your donations! We take all gently used school supplies, but at the start of the year, we especially need backpacks, composition books, calculators, and test prep books. Please bring items to the front office or to The Free Store in room 264.
The Free Store is open most days at lunch in room 264 and is available to all NW students and staff. Thank you for your support.
NEW: Tutoring Opportunities
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Ms. Schuler - Arielle_E_Schuler@mcpsmd.org
Mr. Mahaney - Chris_W_Mahaney@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring will be in math teachers' classrooms at lunch Monday - Thursday.
National Honor Society
Ms. Fowler - Samantha_L_Fowler@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Pruchniewski - Sarah_J_Hinkey@mcpsmd.org
NHS tutor and student must arrange to meet in a teacher’s classroom by appointment only
National English Honor Society
Mr. Bolesta - John_W_Bolesta2@mcpsmd.org
English Honor Society will have tutoring on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in room 263
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Ms. McDermott - Emily_F_Mcdermott@mcpsmd.org
Social Studies Honor Society will host tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch in room 229
Contact Sponsor
French Honor Society
Mrs. McKenna - Kathryn_McKenna@mcpsmd.org
French tutors will be available based on the level of the course:
French 2, 4, and AP: Available Tues, Weds, & Thurs in room 219
French 1: Mme Fowler, Available Tuesdays in room 214
French 1, 3, and 5: Mme Malingo, Available Tues & Thurs in rm 207
Email Mrs. McKenna
Spanish Honor Society
Mrs. Cardona - Yomar_S_Cardona@mcpsmd.org
Spanish tutors will be available at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 204. The following student groups are supported:
English speakers with their Spanish class (all levels)
Spanish speakers with their academic classes (math, science, social studies, etc.)
CARES Tutoring
Ms. Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring available after school in person or via zoom
Contact sponsor
Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, September 12 - Sunday, September 18
REMINDER: Be a part of Mr. Smith's Advisory Council (PAC)
All students, regardless of previous leadership experiences or GPA, are invited to apply. In order for the PAC to be successful, we need a wide range of voices represented on the PAC. Most PAC meetings will be held during the school day through Jag PAWS time or during lunch. On some rare occasions, an after-school meeting may be required. If you would like to be considered for membership on the 2022-2023 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 3, 2022. All members will be notified by November 1, 2022.
Click Here to Apply: https://forms.gle/JU4tcBnS9EzQyKHH8
REMINDER: PSAT/SAT Day October 12, 2021
Hello Northwest families! We will be offering the following exam on October 12th to our students:
- PSAT/NMSQT (10th and 11th grade students)
This test is free of charge for all 10th grade students, and they are automatically registered for the exam by MCPS. 11th grade students can also take the test to possibly qualify for a national merit scholarship, as well as serve as preparation for the SAT in the spring. The fee for 11th graders is $19, there are opportunities for fee waivers and that information can be found on the College Board website. If current 11th grade students are interested in participating in this opportunity on October 12th, they must complete this linked form by September 16th. Students must fill the form out using their school Gmail accounts. If there are any questions, please contact Ms. Henry.
REMINDER: Parking Permit Information
Parking permit applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office, Room 322, before school (7:25–7:40 a.m.), during lunch (11:13–11:51 a.m.), or after school (2:30–2:45 p.m.). Students must not have any outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) to be eligible for a parking permit. The price for a full year parking permit is $78.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made out to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email once the application has been received and approved for eligibility.
During the first three weeks of school (August 29-September 16), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. All approved parking permits will be distributed to students before school in front of the Business Office, Room 322, on September 15 and 16. Beginning Monday, September 19, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2022-2023 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
REMINDER: Join the PTSA and Boosters!
The PTSA and Booster Club are instrumental in providing the school with advocacy, outreach, financial support, and building school spirit for our students, staff, and community. In order for us to be able to support these ongoing efforts, we need our families and staff to join us now! You can join at nwhsptsa.org/membership. Thank you!
REMINDER: Get Ready for the Northwest 5K on 10/29!
The Booster Club is excited for the first ever Northwest 5K on Saturday, October 29th! Runner registration is now open and we are seeking event sponsors. Please visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/5k for more information. Go Jags! 🐾
REMINDER: School Day Arrival/Dismissal Procedures/Reminders
If students are arriving by car, they must be dropped off at the lower gym lobby entrance until 7:45am. After 7:45 am, car riders must be dropped off at the upper main entrance. Students who walk to school may arrive at the main entrance or the gym lobby. All buses will drop students off at the upper main entrance. Please note that these procedures are the same for dismissal in the afternoon.
Families, please remember to adhere to the speed limit on Richter Farm Road. Additionally, please do not let students out of your vehicles on Richter Farm Road. We want everyone to arrive to school safely.
REMINDER: 2022-2023 Lunch Expectations
The Northwest HS lunch plan for the 2022-2023 school year aims to maximize available seating options to reduce density at lunch in shared spaces. Students may eat lunch:
In a school hallway (Only on floors 1 and 2)
In a classroom under staff supervision
In the center school courtyard (weather permitting)
If students have any questions about our school lunch plan, please contact the Northwest HS main office at (240)740-7100.
Northwest Class Spirit!
It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!
The grade level colors are as follows:
Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW
Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN
Juniors (Grade 11): RED
Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE
You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $8: http://www.nwhsptsa.org/shop (available sizes and quantities are limited), or you can purchase a T-shirt in your color at Michael's or Joanne's (the cost is usually around $5) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2026 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2025 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2024 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2023 (12th Grade): Blue
Northwest High School
Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags